Methods and devices for a minimally invasive placement of a rod within a patient
The present application is directed to devices and methods for positioning a rod within a patient. One embodiment of the device may include an elongated inserter having a first end and a second end. A connector may be attached to the second end of the inserter for releasably connecting to the rod. The connector may be adjustable between a first position with the rod substantially coaxially aligned with the inserter, and a second position with the rod substantially perpendicular to the inserter.
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The present application is directed to methods and devices for implanting a rod within a patient and, more specifically, to methods and devices for implanting a rod in a minimally invasive manner.
The spine is divided into four regions comprising the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrococcygeal regions. The cervical region includes the top seven vertebral members identified as C1-C7. The thoracic region includes the next twelve vertebral members identified as T1-T12. The lumbar region includes five vertebral members L1-L5. The sacrococcygeal region includes nine fused vertebral members that form the sacrum and the coccyx. The vertebral members of the spine are aligned in a curved configuration that includes a cervical curve, thoracic curve, and lumbosacral curve.
Vertebral rods may be implanted to support and position the vertebral members in one or more of these regions. The rods extend along a section of the spine and may include a curved configuration to conform to the curvature of the spine. Attachment mechanisms are used to attach the rods to the vertebral members. The attachment mechanisms attach to a vertebral member, and also attach to the rod.
Insertion of the rod into a patient normally requires a large incision through the skin and detachment of the paravertebral muscles to access the vertebral members. This type of procedure usually results in a longer surgical procedure with greater amounts of blood loss and increased anesthesia time. These procedures may also have a higher risk of infection, require a longer postoperative recovery time, and result in addition pain and discomfort to the patient.
SUMMARYThe present application is directed to devices and methods for positioning a vertebral rod within a patient. One embodiment of the device may include an elongated inserter having a first end and a second end. A connector may be attached to the second end of the inserter for releasably connecting to the rod. The connector may be adjustable between a first position with the rod substantially coaxially aligned with the inserter, and a second position with the rod substantially perpendicular to the inserter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 4A-E are side views of inserting a rod to an anchor according to one embodiment.
FIGS. 5A-D are side views of inserting a rod to an anchor according to one embodiment.
The present application is directed to devices and methods for inserting a rod within a patient. In one embodiment, a rod is initially connected to an inserter with a pivoting connection. The connection provides for the rod move from a first position that is aligned with the inserter to a second position that is laterally angled relative to the inserter. The inserter and rod are initially in the aligned first position while being inserted through a guide and into a patient. The rod is then laterally angled outward towards the second position. The second position may provide for positioning the rod within anchors.
In one embodiment, inserter 30 has an elongated shape with a width sized to fit within the guide 40. In one embodiment as illustrated in
In one embodiment, an arm 34 is connected to the distal end 33 of the elongated member 31. The arm 34 is sized to extend outward from the member 31 and connect to the rod 20. In one embodiment, arm 34 includes two opposing sections each positioned on a side of the member 31. A first connector 35 may pivotally connect the arm 34 to the distal end 33 of the member 31. In one embodiment, first connector 35 is a pin that extends through the distal end 33. A second connector 36 connects to the rod 20. In one embodiment, the arm 34 comprises opposing sections each having a ball fitting that mates with an indent in the rod 20 to form the second connector 36. The first and second connectors 35, 36 allow the arm 34 to be pivotally connected to the member 31 and the rod 20.
A sleeve 37 may be positioned over the member 31 and sized to axially move along the member 31. In one embodiment, sleeve 37 includes a cylindrical shape having open distal and proximal ends. In one embodiment, sleeve 37 extends partially around the member 31. An extension 38 may extend outward from the distal end to connect with the rod 20. In one embodiment, extension 38 includes opposing members positioned to contact opposite outer sides of the rod 20. In one embodiment, extension 38 extends over the arm 34 when the rod 20 and inserter 30 are coaxially aligned as illustrated in
Rod 20 is pivotally connected with the inserter 30. In one embodiment, rod 20 is relatively movable between a first orientation as illustrated in
The inserter 30 may be detachable from the rod 20. Detachment of the inserter 30 from the rod 20 may occur in a variety of different manners. In one embodiment, connectors 39 and 36 comprise ball and detent joints. Detents are positioned on the rod 20 at the connection locations. Corresponding ball fittings extend outward from each of the extension 38 and arm 34. The ball and detent connections are sufficient to maintain attachment between the rod 20 and inserter 30 through movement within the guide 40 and moving from the first orientation to the second orientation. A force applied to the inserter 30 in a proximal direction along the guide 40 breaks the connection at each of the connectors 39, 36 and allows removal of the inserter 30.
Another embodiment features the rod 20 having slots that extend into the rod from one of the lateral sides. A first pin extends between two opposing sections that comprise the arm 34, and a second pin extends between two opposing sections that comprise the extension 38. The first pin is positioned within the first slot to form the first connector 36, and the second pin is positioned within the second slot to form the second connector 39. When the rod 20 is coaxially aligned with the inserter 30 as illustrated in
Guide 40 provides a conduit for inserting the rod 20 and accessing the anchors 100. In one embodiment, guide 40 has an outer wall with a hollow interior that is sized to receive the rod 20 and inserter 30. Guide 40 has a length adequate for percutaneous access to the anchor 100 with the distal end positioned at the anchor 100 and the proximal end positioned exterior to the patient. In one embodiment, the distal end of the guide 40 attaches to the anchor 100. In one embodiment, the guide 40 is inserted into a first incision made to the patient. The distal end of the guide 40 is positioned at the member to which the anchor 100 is to be attached. In one embodiment, the guide 40 is inserted with the distal end adjacent to a vertebral member. The anchor 100 is inserted through the guide 40 and attached to the vertebral member. In one embodiment, once the anchor 100 is attached to the vertebral member, the guide 40 is attached to the anchor 100. In another embodiment, the guide 40 remains detached from the anchor 100.
Anchors 100 may have a variety of constructions. In one embodiment, anchors 100 are multi-axial screws having a movable head with a channel 102 for receiving the rod 20. Various other anchors 100 may be employed with the present application.
As the rod 20 and inserter 30 continue to move into the guide 40a in the direction of arrow A, the rod 20 is positioned in proximity to a slot 41 at the distal end of the guide 40a. Rod 20 is then pivoted outward in the direction of arrow C as illustrated in
In one embodiment, rod 20 and inserter 30 continue to move downward into the guide 40a while rod 20 is pivoted outward. In one embodiment, the pivoting motion of the rod 20 may begin when the first end 21 of the rod 20 is aligned with a top edge of the slot 41. In another embodiment, outward motion begins when the second end 22 of the rod 20 is aligned with a top edge of the slot 41. In another embodiment, the pivoting motion begins when the first end 21 nears the anchor 100.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in the embodiment of
After the rod 20 is seated to the anchors 100, inserter 30 is removed from the rod 20 as illustrated in
As the inserter 30 and rod 20 travel down the guide 40, the first end 21 of the rod 20 contacts the ramped section 42 causing the rod 20 to pivot outward as illustrated in
As the rod 20 and inserter 30 continue to move, the first end 21 slides along the ramped section 42. In one embodiment as illustrated in
In one embodiment, door 48 is attached after the guide 40a is positioned in the patient. Door 48 is inserted into the patient through a separate incision from the guide 40a. The first end of the door 48 is positioned adjacent to the distal end of the guide 40a. In one embodiment, door 48 includes a connection 47 that connects the door 48 to the guide 40a.
In another embodiment, door 48 is mounted to the guide 40a prior to insertion into the patient. The door 48 and the guide 40a are inserted together into the patient. In one embodiment, door 48 is movably mounted to the guide 40a. A connection 47 attaches the first end of the door to the distal end of the guide 40a. The door 48 may attach directly at the distal end of the guide 40a, or may be spaced upward on the guide 40a but within proximity to the distal end. The connection 47 provides for the door 48 to pivotally move between a first, extended position as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the guide 40a and attached door 48 are inserted into the patient when the door 48 is in the closed position. After insertion, the door 48 is moved to the first, extended position. After the rod 20 is positioned in the anchors 100 and the inserter 30 is detached and removed from the patient, the door 48 is returned to the closed position. The door 48 and guide 40a are then removed from the patient when the door 48 is closed. In one embodiment, door 48 is non-movable and remains in the open position.
The door 48 is aligned at an angle relative to the anchors 100 to reduce the amount of outward movement necessary for the rod 20 to move relative to the inserter 30. In the previous embodiments described for
The term “distal” is generally defined as in the direction of the patient, or away from a user of a device. Conversely, “proximal” generally means away from the patient, or toward the user. Spatially relative terms such as “under ”, “below ”, “lower ”, “over ”, “upper ”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first ”, “second ”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.
As used herein, the terms “having ”, “containing ”, “including ”, “comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a ”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. A device to insert a rod into a patient comprising:
- an elongated inserter having a first end and a second end; and
- a connector attached to the second end of the inserter and having a connection to releasably connect to the rod;
- the connector being adjustable between a first position with the rod coaxially aligned with the inserter, and a second position with the rod substantially perpendicular to the inserter.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises an arm that is pivotally connected to the second end and extends outward beyond the inserter.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve comprising a hollow interior sized to receive the inserter, the sleeve being axially movably along the inserter.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the sleeve is connected to the rod at a point laterally spaced apart from a connection point between the connector and the rod.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the inserter further comprises a sleeve that extends around the inserter and is pivotally attached to the rod.
6. A device to insert a rod into a patient comprising:
- an elongated member attached to the rod at a first connection; and
- a sleeve having a hollow interior and sized to extend around the member, the sleeve being movably positioned on the member and connected to the rod at a second connection, the second connection being spaced from the first connection;
- axial movement of the sleeve along the member causes the rod to move relative to the member between a first orientation with the rod and member being coaxially aligned and a second orientation with the rod being outwardly angled relative to the inserter.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the member is substantially perpendicular to the rod in the second orientation.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein the member and the sleeve are releasably mounted to the rod.
9. The device of claim 6, wherein the sleeve completely surrounds the member.
10. A device to insert a rod into a patient comprising:
- a guide comprising a sidewall forming an interior region and comprising a slot through the sidewall at a distal end;
- an elongated inserter comprising a first end and a second end, the inserter sized to fit through the interior region;
- a connector attached to the second end of the inserter and comprising a connection to releasably connect to the rod;
- the connector adjustable between a first position with the rod coaxially aligned with the inserter and having an overall width less than the interior region, and a second position with the rod substantially perpendicular to the inserter and extending through the slot in the sidewall.
11. The device of claim 10, further comprising a sleeve positioned around the inserter and being releasably connected to the rod, the sleeve axially movable along the inserter between a first location causing the rod to be coaxially aligned with the inserter and a second location with the rod substantially perpendicular to the inserter.
12. The device of claim 10, further comprising a door connected to the distal end of the guide, the door being movable between a first orientation with an upper edge of the door being in proximity to the guide, and a second orientation with the upper edge being spaced away from the guide.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the door has a U-shape to mate with the guide in the first orientation.
14. The device of claim 10, further comprising a door connected to a distal end of the guide and being oriented at an angle that extends outward from the distal end.
15. A method of positioning a rod within an anchor in a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
- attaching a rod to a distal end of an inserter and coaxially aligning the rod with the inserter;
- moving the rod and the inserter into the patient with the rod and inserter coaxially aligned;
- after moving the rod and inserter a distance into the patient, pivoting a first end of the rod outward from the inserter;
- positioning the rod into the anchor while the rod is pivoted outward from the inserter; and
- detaching the rod from the inserter while positioned in the anchor and removing the inserter from the patient.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of moving the rod and the inserter into the patient comprises moving the rod and inserter through an interior section of a guide that is inserted within the patient.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising pivoting the rod outward from the inserter and through a slot in the guide.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising pivoting the rod outward from the inserter an amount to be substantially perpendicular to the inserter and positioning the rod into the anchor.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising detaching the rod from the inserter when the rod is substantially perpendicular to the inserter.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of moving the rod and the inserter into the patient is performed percutaneously.
21. The method of claim 15, further comprising simultaneously moving the rod into the patient and pivoting the rod outward from the inserter.
22. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of moving the rod and inserter into the patient comprises moving the rod and inserter along a door and into a guide.
23. A method of positioning a rod within an anchor in a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
- attaching a rod to a distal end of an inserter and coaxially aligning the rod with the inserter;
- moving the rod and the inserter through an interior of a guide and into the patient a first distance with the rod and inserter coaxially aligned;
- after moving the rod and inserter the first distance into the patient, pivoting a first end of the rod outward from the inserter with a first end of the rod moving through a slot in the guide;
- positioning the rod into a first anchor that is aligned with the guide and the first end of the rod into a second anchor that is spaced away from the first anchor; and
- removing the inserter from the rod and maintaining the rod in the first and second anchors.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising moving the rod and inserter through the interior of the guide beyond first distance and simultaneously pivoting the first end of the rod outward from the inserter.
25. The method of claim 23, further comprising pivoting the rod outward from the inserter about 90° and positioning the rod into the first and second anchors.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 27, 2006
Publication Date: Aug 16, 2007
Patent Grant number: 7497869
Applicant:
Inventor: Jeff Justis (Germantown, TN)
Application Number: 11/341,189
International Classification: A61F 2/30 (20060101); A61B 17/58 (20060101);